The Faceless GM's Golarion Apocalypse (Inactive)

Game Master kamenhero25

The docks of Absalom are, if anything, busier than ever. But the normally constant flow of merchant vessels has been joined with official ships from every land. The blood red flag of Cheliax is joined by the golden banners of Osirion, the blue flags of Thassilon, the white flag of Irrisen, and many others. The streets are packed with citizens trying to get a look at the newly arriving diplomats. The Harbor Guard is out in numbers not seen outside of war being declared and the Wave Riders are patrolling the harbor in packs. A contingent of the First Guard themselves stand vigil near the docks, waiting to escort the emissaries to their residences for the duration of the conference. The last of the ships pull into harbor, sails furling as dock workers rush to tie the ships' mooring lines.

Keep your head down. You're treading on unsteady ground as it is.

The docks of Absalom are quite bright and crowded today--bright enough that Triel's eyes are watering in protest. She rubs her eyes on her sleeve as she passes a pair of surly humans glaring at her. Let them glare all they want--the City at the Centre of the World still has its laws against attacking random strangers in the street.

Still, I should have put on a disguise. No sense in drawing attention to myself unless it's absolutely necessary.

Speaking of which, it was just then that Vindir decided to speak up. Triel shakes her head. "I'd be more surprised if they weren't here yet. Of course, they'll probably think I'm one of them."

"They'd be wrong, but they'd think so." She whispers, both to Vindir and to herself.

Shouldn't walk about alone in the open. Need to find someplace to hole up until tomorrow.

Zalika rubs her eyes. The journey had been long, and the griping between the two delegates had become nearly insufferable. Zalika idly wondered if both of them had been put on her ship as a test of her moral conviction. An Envoy of Balance could conceivably fall out of the simple desire to smack the hell out of them. In the end, Zalika had simply materialised a semi permanent rain cloud over both their heads via her Create Water cantrip, now both delegates shared mutual irritation towards her, something that Zalika reflected, could perhaps be considered some sort of progress.

"I'll be right on my way" she responds to the crewman, gathering her things and heading in the direction of the room where she was certain she would find Father Maker, wondering what he wanted from her.

Maximo's eyes snapped open as he looked up, roused from sleep below deck by the captain's call to disembark. His partner, the white weasel he called Ryx, uncurled from around his waist as he stretched.

The visions... they were back. Clearer than ever. He knew what this meant. Darkness was coming, and very soon. And it was up to him to stop it!

...somehow.

Heading down the gangplank, Ryx sniffed his way around the streets as Maximo unsheathed his sickle, surveying the weapon for what felt like the millionth time. It was shaped strikingly like a talon some some creature, perhaps a reference to his duty as Apsu's "Talon." It wasn't silver, but it had a similar metallic sheen to it that made him feel comfortable. Something about silver, more than any other glittery object, put him at ease. Perhaps tapping into his draconic heritage... dragons were often at their most peaceful atop their mounds of collected treasures, maybe this had a similar effect to--

Maximo stopped, looking about frantically for his weasel companion. Ryx was gone! "Ryx? RYX!? C'mere Ryx! Come on, where'd you go!?"

Nearby, the enormous white weasel seemed to have sniffed out an unusual face among the crowd. A drow elf, of all things, though the mammal hardly seemed put off by her. If anything, he seemed drawn to her, apparently trying to curl up next to her leg affectionately.

Absalom was awe inspiring to the young witch. Katya had been quick to prepare as the ship finally approached the city, changing out of her warmer clothes and gathering her few things for their departure. It was strange, wearing such light clothes. Not unpleasant, but definitely strange. In fact that seemed to summarize her entire first impression of Absalom. The crowds of people, the ships from every corner of the world, it was just so different from anything she’d ever known before. She wasn’t sure what to think yet.

It was Esfir who actually alerted her to her aunt’s presence. Unfortunately the arctic fox didn’t have the luxury of changing out her fur coat, so she’d just curled up and fallen asleep at her master’s feet. She was immediately alert when the other woman appeared, and her master quickly followed suit.

Katya took a few steps forward, “Of course. This is too important to risk mistakes, aunt.” And it was that fact that had her concerned. She understood the purpose, but why her grandmother had chosen this particular situation to test her was unclear. There had to be a reason that she’d decided it was worth risking in a situation as potentially important, and delicate, as this. Hopefully it would be irrelevant in the end. This facade only had to last a little longer, and then these complex plots could be left in the past.

She only paused for a second to consider her options.

Right, well, I need to find a decent place to stay for the night. Hopefully, there's some inn or other that's close to the conference--

Then she felt something small and furry cuddle up to her leg.

Looking down in confusion, she sees a white weasel of unusual size has apparently decided, out of all the other people here, that she was in the most need of its furry, cuddly affection.

--wait, what?

She just stares at the weasel for a bit, contemplating just how odd a sight it really is. She tentatively reaches down and pets the animal before straightening up again. "Don't expect me to feed you."

Triel purses her lips. "And if I do that, it won't leave us alone."

...that being said, the weasel looking up at her with its small eyes did look rather adorable (for lack of a better word).

Stop looking at me like that. Do you really think I'm going to fall for that?

I've seen that trick pulled too often for it to work. You're not fooling anyone.

...that being said, it could be a way to foster some measure of goodwill here. Odds are, I'll need all the help I can get.

...damn it all.

She sighs and fishes some beef jerky out of her backpack. "Here. Make it last." She gives some to the weasel.

"Ah yes, of course", Zalika responds diplomatically, stepping into the room and glancing around, although she isn't quite sure what specific details Father Makar had in mind - it could be anything from how she presented herself to following an agreed upon plan for the summit. "What in particular did you wish to discuss with me?" she asks quietly.

Aramus had risen early that morning to perform his daily devotions, as usual. Climbing to the top of one of Absalom's many towers exercised his form and kept him agile, and standing before the sun as it rose had always felt empowering. He spread his arms and laughed as the dawn's first rays slipped over the horizon and spread warmth over his skin. "Hallo, Dawnflower! Hallo, Eternal Rose! Another wonderful day in this world of ours, eh?" He let out a booming laugh, barely even registering the groaned complaints of the vagrants and layabouts who call the tower home. And there on the windowsill, high above the city streets, he went through his practice forms, punching the air, leaning low, and snapping small sparkles and fireworks into existence. Finally, after an hour or more had passed, he bowed low to the sun once more and made his way back down to the streets.

Today seemed important, after all, with the arrival of so many ships in the harbor. Aramus had heard all manner of rumors in his work, both while guiding travelers through the streets and from locals, and it was apparent that great things were occurring in these times. With all the evil that had taken root in Golarion of late, Aramus couldn't help but feel it was only time for someone to take action. The fact that it seemed almost everyone was joining up to do something... well, maybe it just showed the world was as bright as he'd always suspected.

Now, he stood at the harbor with some of the other hotspurs, surveying the arrivals as they left their ships. He leans on some old shipping containers, and as he looks out into the crowds he breathes into his hands, muttering a few words in Orcish. Smearing his hands across his eyes, a shadow briefly lingers on them, before fading into his eyes themselves, producing bright gold flecks intermingled with his shining blue irises.

"What do the ships mean?" Aramus turns at the sound of the young boy's voice, and sees Niko, one of his young friends from the city. Niko wasn't yet a hotspur, but he worked as a runner for many of Absalom's guides. He looks up to the tall, muscular man with wide, questioning eyes. "Sam said there's bad men in them, that the world is in a bad place if the bad men have to come here."

Aramus smiles down at the lad and wraps one meaty hand around his back, lifting him under the armpit easily onto his shoulder. "Look up at the sky, Niko. You see the sun up there, shining down on us as always?" He pauses while the boy nods vigorously, and then sets him on one of the crates. "That means it's a day like always, and things will be okay. And as long as we remember that, and look up to the sun, not down in the dirt, we'll be alright. And that's what the ships mean--people aren't standing for wicked things. They've found a guide to bring them to the path for good, and now..."

He chuckles and climbs atop a barrel. "Now they need a guide to Absalom's pathways." He turns out to the crowd and sets his hands on his hips, pumping out his broad chest and shoulders as he calls out to the travelers. "So who here needs a guide to the city? Who's looking for a friendly face to show them the way through our lovely streets?"

He surveys the crowd for a moment and points his finger at a curious site: a black-skinned elf feeding a white-furred weasel, and a frantic kobold nearby. "You there! You look like you could use a friend and guide here!" Not even waiting for a reply, he leaps down from the barrel and begins pushing towards Triel.

Ryx stares wide-eyed as Triel displays the jerky, before tossing it down to him. Brushing his head against her leg in appreciation, he starts to gnaw at the jerky, pausing only as his companion approaches in a pant. "Ryx! Ryx, leave her alone! You can't just wander off like that!"

Maximo propped himself on his knees as he skidded to a stop, catching his breath and calming down. "Ah... hah... I'm sorry. He never runs off like that. Thank you for finding him!" Regaining his composure, Maximo stood straight and bowed to the drow elf. "My name is Maximo, and this is Ryx, who I see you've already met. I'm surprised, though... he usually doesn't warm up to people so fast."

Startled out of his scales, Maximo jumped while Ryx perked up and looked in the direction of the shouting. A large man was shouting about a guide ad moving towards them. Picking up the hard-earned jerky, Ryx turned and moved to lurk behind Maximo as he approached. He continued to eat... but kept an eye on the new stranger. "Ah... yes, actually, I could. I must find the city leaders. I... I believe there is darkness approaching, and they must be warned."

Is Maximo speaking Draconic?

Triel looks over at the kobold as he scurries to his pet weasel.

A kobold? Hmm. Unexpected. And acting polite to me? Even more so.

"...I am Triel." Triel nods in acknowledgement. "And perhaps you should keep a better eye on your pet."

I'll admit I have no idea why he took a shine to me so quickly either.

She is about to say more when the blond, tanned mountain of a man standing on a bunch of barrels starts yelling out to the crowd, causing her to visibly flinch. She turns her head to the man and purses her lips. Well, SOMEONE'S in a cheerful mood today.

Then she makes eye contact with him.

"You there! You look like you could use a friend and guide here!"

Oh, f$!& me senseless.

"Oh... lovely." Triel half-grumbles, half-sighs as the man leaps down from his perch and starts shouldering his way through the crowd.

But noticing how most people around him seem quite eager to get out of his way, Triel decides to stand her ground and size him up. He claims to be a guide for this place. Whether or not that's true, the fact that the locals seem to trust him (or at least have no interest in crossing him) would certainly help me. Don't make a fuss--just roll with it.

*ahem* "Yes, I believe I would." Triel nods, folding her arms and letting the would-be guide get close. "I've heard there's a diplomatic conference of some description happening soon--I would like to find out where it's being held, as well as an inn close to the place."

"Ah... yes, actually, I could. I must find the city leaders. I... I believe there is darkness approaching, and they must be warned."

The kobolds words give Triel pause for thought.

...he's here for the same reasons I am? What, exactly, does he plan to contribute?

Aramus comes to a halt a mere foot or two before the strangers, and he turns his head back and forth between them as they speak their interest in the city, and his guidance. "Oh-ho! So, two travelers, here for the same cause, eh? Well, it seems to me that you've found the right man for the job. Aramus, at your disposition, hotspur and bodyguard as you take to the streets of our fair city--not that you'll need the latter, mind, but good to have someone dangerous-looking on your side, eh?"

He winks at the dark elf and turns to Maximo. "As for darkness, well, for that I look to the sky. As long as it's still bright and golden, and Sarenrae smiles down on us from her perch up there, well, things seem like they'll keep okay to me. Sure, there's bad times now and again, but as long as we all keep our chins up and power on, we'll see through. That's what I think, anyway."

He sticks out a large hand. "So what do you say? I'm among the best you'll find here today, and work pretty cheap besides. Know a few places off the beaten track, local secrets and deli-cases, and I'm born and raised on these streets. I can take you right where you want to go or show you the sights, your choice!" He grins widely, simple joy and eagerness showing plainly on his face.

Lore (Absalom): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Well, hopefully that means Aramus knows a good place to stay that's probably near the conference spot...

"When have you ever known me to look weak?", Zalika responds, preferring to stand before Father Makar as she turns the subject over in her mind.

"Personally, I'd suspect the pullback from the Burning Prince's forces, as well as the idling of the Firebleeder, perhaps hints at a newer strategy rather than some divine grace granting us some sort of boon, but nevertheless, I take your point. Pushing this deal through though, will probably take a great deal of maneuvering. I'll need to make contact with some of the major players at this meeting in order to swing a military alliance, although it would greatly help if we had something attractive that we could offer them. Asking them to do the right thing, is all well and good, but in my experience, most require something a little more tangible - any suggestions, or shall I sort something out myself?"

Zalika frowns slightly "I'll do my utmost to avoid giving away what remains of our nation's wealth, perhaps other alternatives will present themselves in due course."

Zalika pauses for a moment, before continuing "I don't wish to understate the seriousness of this mission, but is there anything further you wish to discuss? Some delegates or their aids or representatives may have already arrived, and I would prefer not to unduly delay the start of what could be a long and time consuming process"

On the assumption that there is nothing else to discuss, I'll push Zalika along by departing the boat and entering the city. If there is further details to iron out, then I'll work through them before departing.

Zalika gives the matter due thought before answering in a matter of fact tone."I think I'll give the tourism a bit of a miss today, it would feel jarring to waste time on this trip. I think I'll head directly to where the conference will be held tomorrow, if only to see the location. Its possible that some other delegates will either be there or nearby, so perhaps I'll get some diplomacy done while I'm there. Once I'm finished, I'll see if I can find a temple to Ptah somewhere, before arriving at our lodgings, I expect it might be sometime in the evening depending on how events manifest."

Zalika pauses before inclining her head in an appropriate gesture of respect. "May the divine both bless and provide us with guidance until our task is complete", she responds, the tiny prayer serving as her goodbye, as she heads out the room, out of the ship, and into the bustle of the city.

Surveying the message quickly, Jonathan quickly ripped the paper into pieces, sprinkling them off to his sides as he walked. 'A devil in disguise? Not surprising, but concerning all the same.' He casts an eye towards the Irriseni ship, tossing the last few scraps of the message into the bay. 'And a ship full of witches. Wonderful. Might as well start with them, haven't seen anyone off the Osirioni--" he thinks, just as a woman disembarks onto the docks. "Or perhaps Osirion after all? Best not to look a gift horse in the mouth."

"Excuse me, ma'am," he spoke quietly, not seeking to alarm the woman. "You are here as a dignitary for this conference, are you not?" Quickening his step to keep pace, he continues. "I myself am here on official business, with Galt's own delegate from the Free Nations Alliance. Perhaps we might accompany each other?"

"Oh, he's not my pet. Ryx is my divine emissary from Apsu himself. I have a big job ahead of me, so I need all the help I can get." Maximo bows his head again, before snapping it up to see the titan of a man approach. Aramus... he seemed cheery. Very helpful to find someone so willing to aid him. Apsu must be arranging for himself already.

"I would love to see the city... it is so different from my tribe's snarl, and the temple I lived in." Ryx had apparently finished his jerky and nudged at Maximo's back, before moving up alongside him. The kobold grimaced, before shaking his head. "But I can't, I'm afraid. I saw it in my temple's reflecting pool, and now the visions continue to haunt my dreams. The darkness... it's coming. I fear it is using this conference to gain entrance to the city."

"But all is not lost. My vision... I saw speckles of light dotting the docks. I have to... to gather it together. Use it to banish the darkness somehow." Ryx slunk away from Maximo as he spoke, evidently curling himself around Aramus' leg before returning to his companion's side. Maximo stared a little, before perking his fringes up. Seems he got the message. "...erm... yes! Actually, if you think you would know where most of the delegates would be gathering, that would help! I'd like to... speak with them, if I can."

The kobold perked up again, before turning to Triel. "Ah... you're welcome to come along, if you'd like. If Ryx likes you, you can't be bad."

Zalika turns in surprise as a stranger quietly approaches her within moments of stepping out of the boat. When the stranger introduces himself as a delegate from Galt, Zalika immediately feels slightly wary. It would be all too easy for the Burning Prince to send someone to eliminate her, claiming to be a delegate.

Giving the man an appraising glance, Zalika considers things for a moment before answering in a quiet tone "Yes sir, I am one of the delegates from Osirion, here to attend this conference. If you wish, I see no harm in us walking together, so long as our destinations are mutual"

Triel's expression never changes as Aramus winks at her.

"Are we sure he's actually a human? He might be some kind of intelligent bear that's learned to walk on two legs. Or perhaps a flesh golem that didn't turn out quite right."

She snorts.

"I would rather get where I need to go first before I do any sightseeing."

"Ah... you're welcome to come along, if you'd like. If Ryx likes you, you can't be bad."

"...oh, why not." She shrugs and turns back to Aramus. "Lead the way, then."

Forgot one thing earlier.

"Of course. I am... surprised you have not traveled here with guards. While Absalom is something of a safe haven, I would think an enemy of the Burning Prince such as yourself would not be traveling alone." Jonathan, after a moment, starts walking slowly towards the Ascendant Court. "Of course the First Guard is... ever vigilant. But most have taken further precautions. I even hear one of the Chellish ambassadors has brought a devil of some sort with them." He takes a sidelong glance at Zalika as he mentions that tidbit of information, looking for any trace of emotion in her face.

"Do you know where you are staying, for the conference? I know most are staying near the Ascendant Court, for the sake of proximity." Jonathan coughs harshly beneath his mask, a burnt, raspy sound to his voice. "My apologies. An old injury."

"I don't recall telling you anything about the Burning Prince nor any connection (if any) to my person" Zalika responds coldly, more on guard than before, not quite knowing how this masked man got his information and all the more unsettled because of it. After a moment of silence, Zalika decides to continue the conversation, happy that her point was made.

"With that said, security appearances are everything at a conference such as this one. Some people favour a show of force approach, guards on display, having a visible presence that sort of thing. Others prefer a more private approach, unseen defences set to trigger on the stupid who believe in the unprotected. So in short, just because I appear to be alone, doesn't necessarily mean that I haven't taken suitable precautions."

Zalika hands down the nearest street that will take her into the Ascendant Court district, more out of habit following the stranger than any other reason. "As for the Chellish, if they believe in bringing a devil with them for protection, why should that bother me, or indeed, anyone? Its a peaceful meeting in troubled times, and if they feel more secure with a devil present, then perhaps it might make negotiations smoother". Zalika continues onwards, her face entirely ambivalent in the Chellish protection team guarding their delegates.

Katya held her aunt’s gaze calmly. Flinching or looking away would’ve come across as weakness or shown that she had practically lied to her. Though technically speaking, her intentions weren’t inherently harmful to Irrisen, albeit a bit selfish. And if her dear aunt was so convinced that she was just a hinderance, than maybe it would be a blessing if she didn’t come back from this assignment.

At the end she just nodded. It wasn’t exactly complicated: go off into the city, be on time tomorrow, don’t cause trouble or be a total embarrassment. And she didn’t intend on doing either. The last thing Katya needed was extra attention. Then aunt Tamara breathing down her neck for the rest of this trip, and that would only serve to make this more difficult.

It was only a few more minutes before she disembarked, leaving the boat behind for the docks, still crowded with spectators awaiting the arrival of the various dignitaries and diplomats. Because that would make it so easy to avoid unwanted attention. At least she wasn’t the only possible figure of interest. She noted a young woman disembarking from the Orision ship as well, who was quickly drawn into a conversation with a grey-cloaked man. Esfir eyed the pair curiously, even pausing slightly as her master kept walking, then catching up with a quick sprint as the pair moved into the crowd. Odd...

"You are the delegate from Osirion, are you not? That makes you his enemy, regardless of any personal connection. Being here, at this conference, represents a threat to him. But then, that is why you are here, isn't it?" Jonathan smiled beneath the mask, but his eyes didn't show it. 'You give away more than you think. Subtle protections, indeed. And a... calculated response to the Chellish. As I suspected.' He looked to the woman, a feigned look of hurt in his eyes. "I feel you misunderstand. I merely mean to make conversation; I am here not as a delegate, but as a guard myself."

After a moment, his eyes flick back towards the alleyway they had followed, hand subtly moving to the blade at his hip. "It appears we have company, miss. It is not polite to sneak up on strangers, you know. Might we have a name?" Jonathan stops walking, but only turns after finishing his quip. 'She... obviously Irriseni. My lucky day.'

Damn it Esfir…

Katya scooped up the fox, stopping where she was when the man spoke. It seemed that her goal of staying out of trouble wasn’t going to last long. “Katya Elvanna.” She replied, seeing no reason to lie and provoke the ire of what were likely delegates from the conference, knowing her luck. “And I had no intentions of following you. Esfir took off almost as soon as I’d disembarked. She’s… strange like that sometimes.” Strange was putting rather lightly. Sometimes she wasn’t sure if Esfir was trying to help or intentionally leading her into trouble. It often seemed like the latter.

Zalika listens intently, against her better judgement, she feels that she is enjoying the conversation while it lasts. Upon the man's subtle question regarding her reasons to attend the conference, Zalika only raises one slim eyebrow "Well, that is certainly one reason to attend isn't it?"

Her expression darkens though, as her company apparently senses being followed. Zalika hadn't spotted this herself, something she was a little upset by, but nevertheless, trusts that her companion is perfectly qualified to spot such things even if she couldn't.

"You can call me Priestess if you really want", Zalika quips, not really interested with mentioning her noble heritage to a total stranger just yet.

Zalika turns to the girl 'following' them regarding her closely for a moment before relaxing at the excuse. "Its totally fine Katya, some of us are just a little jumpy after being at sea for so long. Speaking of which, where exactly is it that you personally a from?" she enquires.

One eyebrow rose at the Priestess’s question. The young woman seemed oddly friendly, though it was fitting if she was an aid or diplomat. Katya had expected a little more suspicion. Then again, the man would likely provide plenty of that on his own.

“Irrisen.” She replied briefly. It wasn’t a question she ever recalled having to answer before; a winter witch couldn’t go far without being recognized back in her homeland. “And I believe I saw you departing from the Osirion ship. You’re attending the conference as well?” It seemed rather obvious to her. She was somewhat curious as to where exactly these other two fit in though, and who the man was to begin with.

...great. Another rock in my boot.

Triel pauses in Aramus' guided tour of where the conference will be held to pull off her boot and shake it. A loose stone the size of someone's toe falls out.

"Maximo, was it?" She looks over at the odd little kobold with his weasel. "You said you get visions, yes?"

"Hm? Oh yes, from my lord Apsu. I am his humble Talon, tasked with saving the world from be swallowed by darkness. I... Don't know why he chose me, but... I cannot falter now. If I run and hide, I inspire nobody, because they want to do the same. But... if I stand tall against the dark, perhaps... perhaps I can inspire someone stronger than I to do the same. And they in turn inspire others to do the same."

Meanwhile, Maximo doesn't realize his companion has wandered off again, finding a new group of people to investigate. Well, more accurately, another animal. Ryx quietly climbs onto a barrel behind Katya, trying to lean out and sniff at her equally white fox .

"Ah yes, I am attending the conference as well" Zalika responds, giving the women a once over before answering. Zalika is well abreast of the political situation in Irrisen, even if she doesn't know the specifics, and so suspects that whoever the Irrisen Witches did send to the conference would be someone not highly involved in the political scene, since Zalika imagined the Jadwiga would prefer living within there home nation, least their absence be exploited by a rival. So it is with great interest that she observes Katya. "I must say, I'm rather surprised that Irrisen sent envoys to this conference, last I checked their position looked far more secure than...others," she remarks.

“And the Worldwound poses a great threat to that security.” Katya replied matter-of-factly. Irrisen did share its eastern border with the Worldwound, and this next wave of attacks was certainly a cause for concern. And even without the renewed pressure, this was a chance to cripple a dangerous enemy. It would’ve been foolish to miss that opportunity. However, she had to wonder about who exactly the Priestess meant when she said “others” were in a less secure position. All things considered, she was more than likely referring to herself and Osirion.

Esfir shifted in her arms, her bright yellow eyes staring intently at something over her shoulder. She glanced backward, expecting to see nothing of great importance, and found herself looking down at a small white animal perched on a barrel. Was that a weasel?

After a moment she reached one hand down towards the animal, then carefully pets it when it doesn’t react with hostility. Katya looked back down the alleyway, curious as to where this strange weasel came from. Obviously it belonged to someone, unless friendly white weasels just roamed the streets of Absalom, which she seriously doubted. Esfir squirmed again, either out of displeasure from being held with only one arm or perhaps jealousy that some random weasel was getting her master’s attention. “Well, you’ve wandered pretty far, haven’t you?” The weasel didn’t respond, thankfully, but it was still odd.

If you’re trying to spy on me, you’re not being very stealthy. She thought. It wouldn’t be the first time that someone had tried it. She was doubtful however; most spies weren’t exactly affectionate.

"Hm? Oh yes, from my lord Apsu. I am his humble Talon, tasked with saving the world from be swallowed by darkness. I... Don't know why he chose me, but... I cannot falter now. If I run and hide, I inspire nobody, because they want to do the same. But... if I stand tall against the dark, perhaps... perhaps I can inspire someone stronger than I to do the same. And they in turn inspire others to do the same."

Triel shrugs. "At least it's better than letting demons and their ilk do what they please."

I thought that if Apsu would choose a champion, he'd choose someone more imposing.

She's about to say more when Ryx wanders off again. Triel sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. "And again your weasel ran off. Is he hungry again already?"

"Thank you. I know I'm not... much to look at, but... perhaps there is a reason for that."

Maximo blinked as he immediately started looking around, finding that Triel was right. Ryx was gone. Again. "Ryx!? RYX!!! Oh come on, where'd you go!? He's not hungry, if he was, he'd be fishing out treats from my pack. He's gone again!" The kobold started to panic, before calming himself down a little. "Okay, okay, relax... he knows more than me. Perhaps he's... oh, where'd he go?"

Maximo paused, taking in a deep breath. "...the light..." he muttered, before snapping his claws. "In my vision, I saw the docks. I'd never seen them before, but... darkness was crawling into it. However, I saw specks of light among the darkness... I think... I think Ryx might be seeking out those specks of light."

****************

Meanwhile, Ryx seems more than pleased at being petted, curling his head into the Irriseni woman's hand and rolling onto his back to get belly rubs. Satisfied, the large white weasel sits back up, yellow eyes staring at the priestess and the strange man with her. After a moment of assessing, he climbed off the barrel, pattering back up the alley way he came down and stopping every so often, as if checking to see if the trio he'd encountered was following him.

If they hadn't followed him by the time he reaches the end of the alley, he stops and stares at the strangers, sitting down and apparently waiting for them to do so.

"It probably belongs to someone" Zalika remarks casually, doubting that white weasels were particularly common in the city as she watched it receive affection. Zalika regards the weasel sceptically as the animal clearly wished for the small group of them to follow it. Some childish part of Zalika considered walking off in the other direction purely to see what would happen next but she dismisses the urge. "I suppose its worth investigating where this creature wants us to follow it to, unless anyone has any pressing objection?"

"I am not sure how you're planning such an investigation. Can either of you speak to weasels?" Jonathan walks up to the weasel, bending down to look at him on top of his barrel. "Hmm... but if it wants us to follow, perhaps it is intelligent? That presents his own host of problems." He looks to Katya, feigning ignorance. "You said you were from Irrisen, yes? I hear rumors Irriseni witches can commune with animals. Could you communicate with our friend here?"

Katya almost smiled at the strangely friendly weasel. She’d always had a small soft spot for animals, not that she would ever let it show. “No, I didn’t come here with the intention of having a conversation with a weasel.” She replied, only half answering the man’s question. Truth be told, she couldn’t have had a conversation with a weasel had she been expecting it. But she saw no reason to correct the man.

At first Katya was hesitant to just follow a seemingly random, more than likely intelligent weasel. Then Esfir managed to squirm free and calmly padded back down the alley, pausing next to the weasel. She cocked her head slightly, clearly wondering why her master was still standing there. “Only one way we’ll get answers, it seems.” Obviously she wasn’t thrilled by the idea of following this weasel, but there didn’t appear to be many other answers, save ignoring the weasel entirely, and it was too strange to completely disregard it.

Ryx peers at the artic fox as it tags along, standing up to circle around him once, before perking up in another direction. "Ryx! RYYYYX! Where'd you go, Ryx!?" The scratchy voice cried out over he crowd... with another person possibly shouting for it to stop yelling.

Making sure the trio is following him, the white weasel leads the way through the crowds in the street, before finally finding the source of the calling... and arguably, an even stranger trio of folks. A kobold, a drow elf, and a titantic hulk of a human man. Upon spotting the kobold, the weasel takes into a faster sprint, running back to his side. "Ryx! For Apsu's sake, stop scaring me like that! At least give me some warning before you run off!"

Maximo knelt down, petting the weasel as it curled into his waist, before peering back up at the folks he'd lead through the streets.

"Would you kindly stop yelling?" Triel groans, rubbing one of her ears in irritation. "I doubt it'll help--"

Then the little weasel returns, bringing with it three more people. Triel promptly shuts up and starts sizing them up--a pale-skinned, white-haired woman dressed in a simple icy blue dress with a white fox at her side, another woman with long dark hair and bronzed skin, wearing more formal, exotic clothes and jewelry than her counterpart, and a dark-haired man in a grey cloak.

The male in particular looks remarkably out of place next to them--if he's trying to be discreet, he's not doing a very good job of it.

"...hello."

Maximo stares for a moment up at the trio, as if assessing them much like his weasel companion... but that quickly stops as he smiles, extending a claw to the pale-skinned woman and offering a handshake. "Hello! Thank you very much for bringing back Ryx. He seems to be finding many interesting people today. I hope he wasn't too much trouble."

Evidently, where Triel is more interested in silently sizing up the opposition, Maximo sees no opposition whatsoever.

After a moment Katya accepts the kobold’s handshake. “I believe that Ryx brought us back, actually, not the other way around.” She answers. “And ‘interesting’ is putting it rather lightly.” Actually Katya wasn’t sure what to make of this new trio of people: a friendly kobold with an equally friendly weasel, a virtual mountain of a man, and a cautious drow. She almost wishes that she could talk to the weasel, Ryx he’d been called. Maybe he’d have a sensible explanation for this.

Zalika raises a hand in greeting to the group, acknowledging each of them as she abruptly sizes each of them up. "Well, that would be the first time I followed a weasel around a city, although I confess I'm confused as to why he brought us here in particular. Did you send him to search for the three of us in particular, or are you as confused as we are as to why your friend here attempted to ensure we all meet?"

"No, he leads me more than I lead him. He's my divine emissary of Apsu." The kobold replied, shaking Katya and Zalika's hands, still offering his to Jonathan. "My name is Maximo. 'Steelscale' Maximo, the next Talon of Apsu. And this is Ryx, my partner and mentor."

Ryx lowered himself down on the ground, sniffing at Esfir as he observed him from the fox's level. "I'm afraid Ryx confuses me more than I care to admit. But... I have a thought. I've been having a dream, lately... a vision, more accurately. I saw these docks - not that I knew what or where they were - and... I saw darkness. It crept in like... a swarm of ants. It covered everything." The kobold visibly shivers a little at recalling this, before continuing. "But, I also saw light specks dancing among the dark."

Ryx straightens up and curls around Maximo's leg. "I... I think the darkness is the new arrivals, using the conference here in Absalom to gain entrance into the city. But... not all of them are bad. There are some good ones... in spite of the spreading night, a few rays of light shine through, too good to be eclipsed by the impending dark." Maximo smiles back up at everyone gathered around him. "I think Ryx was helping me find the light in my vision. He's much more in tune than I am... if Ryx likes you, you can't possibly be bad."

After a moment, Jonathan extends a hand, letting his rapier slide back into its sheathe. "Are you certain he is not just... hungry? Have you considered a leash of some sort?" As he talks to Maximo, his eyes pass over the two standing behind him; a lithe drow woman and perhaps the largest man Jonathan had ever seen. 'Today has gotten more and more interesting... I wonder, will the Chellish ambassador and his devil stumble across me next?' Jonathan steps back after shaking the kobold's hand, not sure what to make of him and his motley group.

"I was just accompanying our mutual acquaintance here to her lodgings for the conference," Jonathan mentions, waving a hand towards Zalika. "I will leave it up to her, but if she has no problem with it, you and your... weasel are welcome to come as well."

"Right!" Aramus grins widely and turns around, already launching into an introduction to the city for the travelers. He points out a few landmarks and sets off toward the lodgings he has in mind, and only notices the others are busy when he turns around to ask what they think so far. "Uh... Hello?" Holding his hand over his eyes, he scans the crowd and sees that he hasn't lost customers, at least not yet. They had just run off after the curious weasel.

"Wait for me!" he shouts, pushing his way back through the crowd. "You'll never find your way through the city without a guide to light your way!"

The massive man draws up to the rest of the group to catch the tail end of the conversation. "Ah, more lodgers in our fine city! Do you already know where you're staying, or would you like a fine fellow to show you the way and help you procure the finest beds available? I'm born and raised here, know quite a bit about these lovely streets. And I've a smile and wave for one and all, visitors and locals alike!" He emphasizes his comment with an extra wide flash of his teeth, and an exaggerated wave of his arm. "See?"